would berlusconi actually have any chance with voters? >> the extraordinary thing is that despite his being really comprehensively discredited in the eyes of the rest of the world, a lot of italians seem prepared to fall for his charm and his promises, and he is actually on a media blitz at the moment, taking advantage of the fact that there are currently no rules since the campaign has not officially opened, restricting access to the media. so his face and words are absolutely everywhere on the television and radio and in the press, and i think he is able to appeal to italians' baser instincts, the fact that they are suffering under austerity, and that they see him as -- they associate with him a feel good spirit, although he did not actually succeed in delivering on it when he was in government. >> thank you very much for delivering on that. >> onto friday's market action. european shares gave up ground on the final trading day of the week. our correspondents and as the summary from the frankfurt stock exchange. >> hopes fading at the s